Read also, Will a Chemical Peel Cure Your Acne and Scars?
Acne Peel - Using chemicals to strip off dead cells from the surface of the skin is a highly effective, if somewhat risky, way to accelerate the healing of active acne and old scars. There are products you can only get at a doctor’s office or a spa, and there are products you can use at home. Not everybody, however, should treat every kind of acne with a chemical peel.Click here to see more.
Summary:
* At-home acne chemical peels loosen the “glue” that holds dead skins on the surface of the skin.
* Removing dead skin cells allows newer, more naturally colored skin cells to move to the surface, and opens up pores.
* The most commonly used over-the-counter chemical peels for acne are AHAs and BHAs. AHAs are used on skin types that don’t form permanent brown coloration after they are irritated. BHAs are used on dark brown and black skin to prevent and remove black spots on the skin.
* At-home chemical peels are OK as often as every other day if you do not use scrubs or exfoliants.
* A chemical peel almost never gets rid of existing brown spots without the help of whitening agent, but you need to be sure to use the right whitening agent for your skin type.
* A complete acne treatment system like Exposed Skin Care will minimize your need for peels.
How Chemical Peels Heal Acne-Prone Skin
Beauty experts have been using chemical peels to heal the skin for thousands of years, although the ancient beauties of legend probably did not realize that they were using acids to strip away dead cells from the epidermis of the skin. The famed Egyptian queen Cleopatra was known to bathe in tubs of milk. Milk contains lactic acid, which is even in the twenty-first century still used as a chemical peel for acne. The nineteenth century starlet Lily Langtry was said to bathe her face in apple cider vinegar to fight the effects of the sun on her long stage tours of the American West. Vinegar is a form of acetic acid, which is still used in homemade acne chemical peels.
Chemical peels lift dead skin off the surface of the skin. This makes room for more skin cells to migrate upward to the surface of the skin from the basal layers below. These younger skin cells have more natural skin tones than the dead skin cells they replace. They are smaller, so the skin is not as tight. This gives pores more room to drain so they don’t clog with dead skin cells and sebum. And the act of using a chemical peel on the skin stimulates the production of collagen beneath the skin. This fills in pitted scars and makes the skin both strong and flexible.
Choosing the Right Chemical Peel for Your Skin
Every skin peel, however, does not work for every case of acne. Some products work well on some kinds of skin and don’t work at all on others.
* Alpha-hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, loosen the “glue” between skin cells on the surface of the skin. All over-the-counter acne chemical peels are alpha-hydroxy acids except salicylic acid.
* Beta-hydroxy acids, also known as BHAs, also loosen dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, but they are generally milder than beta-hydroxy acids. Salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid used in skin care. One of the byproducts of sebum broken down by acne bacteria, propanoic acid, is also a beta-hydroxy acid.
* Omega-hydroxy acids, which are so seldom discussed that they don’t have a commonly used abbreviation, are the acids that break up the waxy surface of leaves and stems of plants. If you come across a skin care product advertising omega-hydroxy acids, don’t use it. These chemicals have no benefit for human skin.
* Glycolic acid is the most commonly used chemical peel for acne-prone skin. It is typically use to open the skin rather than to remove brown spots. It is more often used on dry and tight skin rather than on oily and loose skin. Glycolic acid is used at a relatively high strength, up to 10% in over-the-counter products, and up to 30% in products used under medical supervision.
* Lactic acid is the acid found in milk. It is especially useful for removing brown spots on tight, oily skin. It is a product you would use—with caution—on brown spots around the eyes.
* Salicyclic acid is used on dark skin. It is both a peel and an anti-inflammatory. Salicylic acid is used in much lower concentrations (never more than 3%) than glycolic acid.
How to Use Acne Chemical Peels
Chemical peels produce immediate color in the skin. It is tempting to use them every day. If you use retinol, Retin-A, tretinoin topical, or any skin care product labeled as containing either alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, however, you should use peels no more often than once a week.
You should not use both a scrub and a peel. Pick one or the other. Using both products can leave skin red and irritated. If you do not use any other products to exfoliate or peel the skin, you can use a chemical peel as often as every other day as long as you do not experience redness or irritation. If you have dark brown or black skin, you should use a BHA product, not AHAs, and you should start with the lowest possible concentration to make sure you don’t irritate your skin. If salicylic acid causes irritation, you will need to rely on scrubs and skin lighteners.
On the other hand, if your objective is to remove spots after acne, you need both a peel and a lightener. Hydroquinone usually is OK for fair skin, but it can be disastrous on Asian and African skin types, sometimes causing permanent black and blue discoloration of the skin. Arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid are safe for all skin types, but you should rotate products every time you finish a jar of the skin lightener. This keeps you from reinforcing any undesirable changes that make occur as an unexpected “quirk” of your skin.
What’s Different About the Acne Chemical Peels You Can Get at the Doctor’s Office?
If you get a chemical peel at the dermatologist’s office, you will probably be treated with a much stronger product. The AHAs you get in over-the-counter products are only strong enough to dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to your face. The AHAs you get at the doctor’s office have a pH so low that they send healthy skin cells into shock and they die. This does help remove excess layers of skin that may be keeping pores tight, but it also causes much more irritation to your skin. Used skillfully, however, AHAs may make the skin clear and plump.
Dermatologists also do treatments with phenol and trichloroacetic acid to remove more layers of skin. These toxic skin peels may be mixed with croton oil or septisol to make them penetrate even deeper into the skin.
These potentially dangerous skin peels have been largely replaced by laser resurfacing. The only time a chemical peel is likely to be used at the doctor’s office is when treatment of acne or acne scars with laser would leave a noticeable line on the skin.
Source article : https://www.facingacne.com/chemical-peel-cure-acne-scars/
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--------------------------------------------------------------Is A Chemical Peel A Good Treatment for Acne Scars?
It’s easy to go to a pharmacy and find plenty of solutions for acne – but what is one supposed to do about acne scars? Acne scars are an issue that some people would love to make disappear, but treatments aren’t always as simple as picking out a cream.Worry no more, because chemical peels could just be the answer to your facial woes.
Click here to see more.
And while it’s always good to be informed before taking action on what can be an embarrassing and bothersome skin condition, the price tag of confidence, happiness and a higher self-esteem may just be worth the cost of trying something new.
Acne affects a large number of people, so much so that the Canadian Dermatology Association calls it the most common skincare problem seen by doctors. It’s a condition caused by hair follicles being clogged by oil-producing glands in the skin. While acne varies in severity, it typically occurs on the face. However, it can also affect other parts of the body such as the back, neck and chest. Additionally, it’s not unique to teenagers. Acne is common in adults as well. And the scars left from acne can have an emotional toll, no matter the person’s age.
Acne scars can be just as varied as acne itself – from more pronounced pits in the skin, to elevated scar tissue known as keloid scars. Sufferers of more severe acne are more likely to experience scarring, but mild acne is known to produce scars as well.
For a skin condition that is often difficult to hide, the scars may feel even more glaring than the initial problem.
Read on to learn why chemical peels just may be the resolution you’ve been seeking:
What Are Chemical Peels?
Known as alphahydroxy acid (AHA), or betahydroxy acid (BHA), chemical peels are a solution that is applied to the skin, typically on the face, neck or hands. They cause the skin to exfoliate, and as a result, eventually peel off. The final result is smoother skin.
While they are primarily meant to even out skin tone and smooth imperfections, there are different types of chemical peels that address different needs. The first is a more superficial peel, which doesn’t penetrate beyond the first epidermal layer of the skin. This option is designed to even out skin tone and gently exfoliate.
The second is called a ‘medium’ peel, which targets damaged skin cells on both the outer and middle layers of skin. It is meant to address age spots, wrinkles and even freckles.
The third is referred to as a ‘deep’ peel. Following its name, this chemical peel penetrates deeply into the middle layer of skin. It removes skin discolouration, wrinkles, freckles, and, due to its deeper penetration, it can also remove shallow scars. It produces the starkest difference of any of the treatments, however, unlike the ‘superficial’ peel which can be performed multiple times, the deep peel can only be done once.
What Does A Chemical Peel Do?
The idea of a chemical peel might sound a bit scary. Chemicals on your skin? Ouch! However, the most discomfort you are likely to experience with a chemical peel is a bit of stinging. In fact, the side effects have been likened to that of a sunburn. Other potential side effects include redness, irritation and crusting.
And, because there are various types of chemical peels, different acid solutions are used. The superficial chemical peels use more gentle acids, whereas the deeper and stronger peels require a stronger acid.
While the deeper peel is likely to sting more, the effects of redness, swelling and irritation can be soothed with creams and gels, or medications provided by a doctor.
Who Do You Speak To?
It is important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist to determine whether or not a chemical peel is right for you.
There are instances when a chemical peel is not recommended, such as during pregnancy or if you have cut or broken skin. It is also not advised to have a chemical peel if you have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea. There are also potential side effects to be aware of such as scarring and permanent skin discolouration. A healthcare professional will help address any questions or concerns you may have, and ultimately help you decide if a chemical peel is the best way to treat your acne scars.
However, when it comes to addressing acne, chemical peels are a viable solution. Since the outer layer of old skin is removed during the process of a chemical peel, the new skin that replaces it is often smoother. The result is a reduction in the appearance of scars.
Cost of Chemical Peels and Can They Rid You of Acne Scars?
The cost of chemical peels can range greatly, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It all depends on the type of peel you choose and the practitioner performing the procedure.
Also keep in mind that because the treatment is often considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it isn’t usually covered by health benefits.
Additionally, patients should expect to exercise caution when exposing their skin to the sun after getting a chemical peel, and also be aware that chemical peels are considered most effective for fair and light skin.
Finally, it’s important to note that for more severe acne scars, there is the possibility that a chemical peel will not remove the scar or smooth it out completely.
Acne scars aren’t something a person has to live with for the rest of their life. While acne often presents itself for a relatively short period of time, the scars can serve as an ugly reminder of what those affected would rather forget.
It is commonly acknowledged that chemical peels are a proven and effective treatment for acne scars. Regardless of the severity of the marks, a patient who undergoes a chemical peel is bound to see results in the tone and smoothness of their skin.
Ultimately, it’s up to both the patient and the advice of a doctor (me) whether the cost – emotionally, financially and physically – is worth the price.
About Dr. Kumar Shivdasani
Dr. Kumar Shivdasani is a medical practitioner with 25 years experience. He began his career in emergency at Vancouver General Hospital and addiction medicine – later branching into cosmetic medicine. He is the owner of CüR Laser & Skin in Vancouver, BC. Education, good lifestyle and diet changes lay the foundation for developing overall health and wellness, helping Kumar’s clients achieve and maintain their target goals. Dr. Kumar is also dedicated to helping others as shown by his support for Summits of Hope and Turning Point Recovery
Source article : http://www.curlaser.com/chemical-peel-treatment-acne-scars/
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--------------------------------------------------------------Best Types of Chemical Peels for Acne Scars
Acne peel - The problems acne causes don’t always stop when your breakouts end. Acne can leave scars that last a lifetime. However, you don’t have to live with your scars forever. Thankfully, treatments like CIT and chemical peels can diminish the appearance of scarring. Today, we’re going to focus on the best types of chemical peels for acne scars.Click here to see more.
Peel the Acne Scars Away
A peel is simply a product that you apply to your face. When you peel the product off of your face, it causes the outer layer of facial skin to also peel off. People use peels to improve their skin. Chemical peels are a type of treatment that uses chemicals to help people achieve results in renewing their skin’s health and appearance.
A chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin, which is usually dry and rough, in order to smooth the skin and uncover the healthier layer beneath. These newly exposed layers are less affected by scarring. Here’s a look at a variety of peel types that typically yield excellent results for acne scars.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a part of the alpha hydroxyl family, a group of natural ingredients. Glycolic acid is actually a fruit acid derived from sugar cane. It helps remove the rough, dry surface skin, exposing the new layer underneath. This smoother layer diminishes scars caused by acne.
In order to receive a glycolic acid peel, medical aestheticians like those at The Baltimore Center must treat you. Since this peel is a light peel that has virtually no side effects, your skin should quickly recover. Glycolic peels are often most successful if multiple treatments are done in succession.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are medium-depth in-office peels and therefore usually produce stronger results than a light treatment, such as a glycolic acid peel. A TCA peel uncovers a smoother and healthy layer of skin by removing dead skin cells. This allows it to specifically help reduce acne scars.
A skin expert must apply a TCA peel. Since the TCA peel is a stronger treatment, it may take several days to recover fully. The immediate result from the peel is for the skin to redden and swell. After a few days, the skin will darken, tighten and then peel from the face for four or more days. This peeling reveals the smoother, healthier layer of skin. Usually, it’s best to receive multiple TCA treatments in order to get the most beautiful results.
Phenol Peel
A phenol peel is a deeper medium chemical peel that is performed at a surgical center. Not only is this peel successful in improving acne scars, but it can also treat discoloration and coarse wrinkles. This is because phenol peels penetrate deeper layers of your skin than TCA and glycolic acid peels do. Best of all, this treatment only has to be done once and its effects can last for ten years.
While phenol peels can produce dramatically improved results, it’s important to note that recovery time is longer than lighter peels. However, your phenol peel results can last for years to come.
Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic acid originally came from willow tree bark, but today is chemically synthesized. A salicylic acid peel is considered the mildest available skin peel. The acid breaks down oils and fats on the outer layer of the skin, allowing it to clean the skin and pores. It also causes the outer layer of skin to shed, helping diminish acne scars.
Usually, the peels begin with a 10-20% solution and sometimes increase to a higher concentration. It is wise to consult your dermatologist or surgeon for suggestions on the appropriate solution percentage for your skin.
Source article : http://www.thebaltimorecenter.com/blog/best-chemical-peels-acne-scars/
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